Dowling Catholic's Jack Lyman (13) celebrates with Dowling Catholic's Matt Stilwill (17) after Lyman caught a pass in the end zone to give Dowling Catholic the lead in the fourth overtime during their 4A state football semi-final game against Bettendorf on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling would go on to win in quadruple overtime 41-34.(Photo: Brian Powers/The Register)Buy Photo

The 2018 high school football season is down to six games — three on Thursday, three Friday — and then we will be done for another eight months. That’s a tough thought, because we’ve seen some incredible games this season.

In Week 9, I watched the same Warriors outscore an incredibly talented Johnston squad in the second half to win 31-30 and clinch a district title. Mitch Randall scored twice in the third to bring Waukee back, Johnston responded, and then the teams traded field goals in the final 97 seconds.

Writing about sports for a living is a luxury in itself, but sometimes, the job can exceed all expectations and flat-out spoil you. This season is a prime example., and that list could grow over the next two days.

Rockford and New London take center stage to kick off Thursday’s action. A battle of unbeatens follows in Class A. Xavier tries for back-to-back 3A titles in the nightcap.

On Friday, West Sioux is looking to win its second state title in as many years and as many classes — the Falcons won Class A last season, and are in 1A this year. PCM, Monroe is seeking its first title and Dowling is looking for a sixth straight crown and seventh in nine years.

Class 4A: Cedar Falls (12-0) vs. Dowling Catholic (10-2)

Analysis: Such an intriguing matchup from all angles. Cedar Falls has a trio of playmakers on offense in quarterback Cael Loecher, running back Sam Gary and wide receiver Logan Wolf. Jack Campbell leads the best defense in Class 4A. These Tigers are arguably the most complete team in the state.

Dowling Catholic will counter with its big offensive line and plenty of Jayson Murray. Quarterback Zach Watters overcame early mistakes and turned in a solid game against Bettendorf. Jack Keough leads a defense that’s allowed less than 10 points a game over the course of the season.

The Maroons are going to try to take Wolf away, so how will Cedar Falls adjust and attack? Can Campbell shut down Murray and force Watters to win it through the air? The answers to these questions will directly impact how this game unfolds. It’ll be fun.

Class 3A: Cedar Rapids Xavier (12-0) vs. Western Dubuque (10-2)

Analysis: A district rematch for the 3A state title, the second such instance in the past four years — Pella beat Norwalk in 2015. Xavier won the first matchup 35-0 in Week 7.

This rematch should be closer. Western Dubuque’s Calvin Harris has played extremely well, and Drake George is one of the best receivers in the class, but the Saints’ collection of talent — Quinn Schulte, Braden Stovie, Kyle Krezek, the offensive line — is why they’re considered the favorites here.

Class 2A: PCM, Monroe (12-0) vs. Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley (11-1)

Analysis: The Mustangs are 2A’s best team, at least statistically. They boast the best-scoring offense (47.8 points per game) and defense (8.42 points allowed per game). But this Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley team is as dangerous as they come and can make you pay if you slip up.

Pick: PCM, Monroe, 34-24

Readers’ Vote: PCM, Monroe (68 percent)

Class 1A: Dike-New Hartford (12-0) vs. West Sioux (11-1)

Analysis: This could be a fireworks show, as this final features 1A’s two best scoring offenses. Both teams can score via the ground (Cade Bennett for Dike-New Hartford, Kade Lynott for West Sioux) and through the air (Drew Sonnenberg and Hunter Dekkers, respectively). Last possession might win.

Pick: West Sioux, 44-41

Readers’ Vote: Dike-New Hartford (67 precent)

Buy Photo

West Sioux, Hawarden's Hunter Dekkers (8) celebrates a touchdown to put West Sioux back up 30-28 during their 1A state football semi-final game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cedar Falls. West Sioux would go on to defeat Van Meter 38-34 to advance to the final round.
(Photo: Brian Powers/The Register)

Class A: Hudson (12-0) vs. AHSTW, Avoca (12-0)

Analysis:Hudson is battle-tested, and back after losing in the Class A title game a year ago. AHSTW is in a state championship contest for the first time since 1991 (none of the players on the field had been born yet).

Pick: Hudson, 35-31

Readers’ Vote: Hudson (64 percent)

8-Player: Rockford (11-1) vs. New London (11-1)

Analysis: We’ll have a first-time champion Thursday morning, as both of these teams are not just first-timers at the UNI-Dome, but will be playing in their first title game, too. New London has been one of the favorites since the season began. Rockford’s story is one for the ages. Expect a shootout.

Pick: New London, 50-44

Readers’ Vote: Rockford (56 percent)

Last Week — Cody, 10-2; Readers, 8-4.

Season Records — Cody, 50-24; Readers, 47-27

Cody Goodwin covers wrestling and high school sports for the Des Moines Register. Follow him on Twitter at @codygoodwin.